Design Manager Salary in Daejeon, South Korea
Daejeon hosts several technology companies involved in design work. Mid‑level design managers earn a median salary of ₩56 million. The median salary is ₩5 million per year.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
₩37,000,000 to ₩48,000,000
Average (per year)
₩42,500,000
Research institutes, government agencies, and tech parks are common first employers for Daejeon graduates.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
₩48,000,000 to ₩65,000,000
Average (per year)
₩56,500,000
Mid-level managers work at R&D companies or national headquarters.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
₩65,000,000 to ₩87,000,000
Average (per year)
₩76,000,000
Science parks, tech startups, and engineering consultancies have senior staff who direct teams.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
₩87,000,000+
Innovation divisions and multidisciplinary R&D projects are overseen by principal-level design managers.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
₩21000 - ₩30000
per hour
Mid-level
₩30000 - ₩40000
per hour
Senior
₩40000 - ₩54000
per hour
Compared with Seoul, Daejeon's median sits slightly below the national average for design managers, yet the lower housing costs offset the gap. The lower cost of living compared with Seoul may appeal to professionals seeking growth.